Grenadian Conchee

In Grenada, cornmeal cooked with coconut milk is called “coo coo,” a savory polenta. For dessert, these ingredients are transformed into a homey, spiced pudding, which is served during holiday season at Spice Island Beach Resort on Grand Anse Beach. Use a banana-leaf wrapper for an authentic and exotic presentation.

Recipe Yield:
10 servings

Recipe Ingredient Details:

CONCHEE

1cupcornmeal

2tablespoonsgrated sweet potato

1/4cupgrated or canned pumpkin

1/2teaspooncinnamon

Pinchgrated nutmeg

1teaspoonground ginger

1/2cupsugar(to taste)

2tablespoonsbutter, softened

4tablespoonsraisins

1cupgrated unsweetened coconut

1/3-1/2cuplight coconut milk

CUSTARD SAUCE

2eggs

2teaspoonsconfectioners’ sugar

1cuplow-fat or whole milk

3ouncessimple syrup*

3dropsvanilla extract

2tablespoonsbrandy

Recipe Instructions:
For the conchee: Combine cornmeal, potato, pumpkin, spices, sugar, and butter and mix well. Add raisins and grated coconut. Add just enough coconut milk to make a soft dough. Place mixture in the middle of a large sheet of foil. Fold over foil and, using fingers, compress mixture into a long sausage shape. Fold and seal open ends of foil with a double bend to ensure a tight seal. Place foil packet on a steaming basket in a large pot with 2 inches of water (curve foil packet if necessary to fit). Bring water to boil, cover pot, and steam 20 minutes.
While conchee is steaming, prepare custard sauce: Beat eggs with sugar and a little of the milk. Put remaining milk into a saucepan and heat gently until lukewarm. Beat warmed milk into egg mixture. Pour mixture and simple syrup into a double boiler and set over simmering water. Stirring constantly, cook custard, not allowing it to boil, until it is thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat and stir in brandy.
Once conchee is cooled slightly, open foil and cut into slices with a sharp knife. Coat serving dish with custard sauce; place conchee slices in sauce to absorb. (Do not cover conchee with sauce.) Serve warm.

Recipe Additional Notes:

*Note: To make simple syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar, stirring, until sugar dissolves.